By Shamindra Ferdinando

Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB) leader Sajith Premadasa, MP, yesterday (01), said that the proposed 21st Amendment to the Constitution, aimed at protecting the Rajapaksas, had received the backing of those who couldn’t secure power through the ballot.

MP Premadasa, who is also the Opposition Leader, said the 21st Amendment, in its present form, was not acceptable as it didn’t meet the aspirations of the public, demanding a genuine system change.

The SJB leader said so in response to UNP Gen. Secretary Palitha Range Bandara’s accusations that Premadasa was shielding the Rajapaksas.

MP Premadasa said that in spite of Mahinda Rajapaksa giving up premiership, following the May 09 mayhem, the overall objectives of the ongoing ‘Go Gota Home’ campaign remained the same. The vast majority of people demanded the removal of the Rajapaksas from the political scene.

Declaring that the SJB wouldn’t support the 21st Amendment, in its present form,under any circumstances, MP Premadasa reiterated his commitment for what he called a draft of the proposed 21th Amendment, submitted by SJB General Secretary, Ranjith Madduma Bandara, to the Parliament, as a private member’s motion.

Calling the SJB’s proposal 19 plus, their aim was to ensure an end to the dictatorial Rajapaksa regime. Acknowledging that the SJB’s proposal needed 2/3 parliamentary approval, in addition to a referendum in respect of some provisions, lawmaker Premadasa asked whether the Parliament could ensure the majority for the required sections.

“Let us go ahead with the first section of the SJB’s proposal. Get it approved by Parliament and then consider the section that required approval at a referendum,” MP Premadasa said, demanding the Rajapaksas and their cronies stop causing further damage.

Commenting on the continuing economic-political-social crisis and the possibility of further deterioration, the former UNP Deputy Leader said the executive should be held responsible for the situation, caused by a spate of wrong decisions, and utterly irresponsible and unilateral decision-making process on the part of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, MP Premadasa said.

The SJB leader said the SLPP should realize that it couldn’t turnaround the situation. The recent shocking revelations before the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) when the top management of the CBSL, and the Finance Ministry, appeared and confirmed the origins of the financial crisis, the SJB leader said.